1977 marked ten years since Hoyle Schweitzer and Jim Drake came up with the idea to successfully combine the sports of sailing and surfing. read more In years to follow, windsurfing continued to attract enthusiasts worldwide. The original Windsurfer races, championships and social gatherings at resort locations continued to set the mood for many wonderful times for old and new friends through the 1980s. Demand for the "Original" Windsurfer One Design continued to grow and in addition to manufacturing in the U.S. and Europe, manufacturing and Windsurfer racing fleets were also set up in Australia, Canada, Japan and South Africa.

Matt Schweitzer hooked in. The harness and foot straps were innovations that transformed the sport from regattas to high performance surfing.

Mike Waltze at the Maui Grand Prix. (Photo by John Severson). At the same time, a new tide was rising. Innovations in design and materials allowed sailors to discover windsurfing locations with higher winds and waves. read more The excitement for wave sailing was building, shifting the focus of new and old windsurfer sailors and drawing the attention of the media. This period marked the beginning of wave sailing, speed sailing and giant slalom, and a retreat from the original

Windsurfer One Design regattas. read story The focus of the sport may have changed, but Windsurfing continues to cast an almost religious-like spell of enthusiasm on sailors. Windsurfing has made an incredibly positive impact in people's lives; whether recreational sailing or high performance sailing. Today the sport is refocusing itself and making a movement closer back to it's roots to encourage more recreational sailing. Long live the simplicity and enjoyment of the Original Windsurfer. Paul Hengstebeck's footage captures the Windsurfer lifestyle. watch film

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